American Quarter Horse Breed Profile

Origins: Some breed historians have maintained that it is the oldest breed of horses in the United States and that the true beginning of the Quarter Horse was in the Carolinas and Virginia. The early improvement in the Quarter Horse - so called because of its great speed at one quarter of a mile-and the early development of the Thoroughbred in the United States were closely associated. It is difficult to give the exact origin of the present-day Quarter Horse because the blending of bloodlines produce a suitable short-distance horse started in colonial areas prior to the Revolutionary War. 

Characteristics: Tremendously strong, Powerful shoulders and hindquarters; Agile and flexible (able to execute quick starts and tight turns); Short, wide head with muscular neck. Short-coupled body with fine legs. Well balanced with well-defined withers. The Quarter horse is bred in 3 types:  Racing Quarter Horse - consisting of Thoroughbred with some ranch horse blood Show/Halter Quarter Horse - of the old bulldog type with more refinement, smaller bones and longer legs Stock-type Quarter Horse - used as a trail mount, cutting horse, etc.

Height: 14.1 - 16 hands

Color: Solid colors, mostly chestnut

Personality: Intelligent, Versatile, Docile, Sense of Humor.